Procedure

Carefully add a drop of food colouring to the centre of the container.

Using the stir stick, gently drag some of the food colouring around in a circular motion.

Observe and record what happens!

Tips: Wait for the food colouring to resurface after you drop it into the milk (it only takes a second). You only need to give the food colouring a very short, gentle nudge to get it moving. If it doesn’t do what you want, you can try again a couple times if you are careful.

Ontario Curriculum Links

Grade 2

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Understanding Matter and Energy

Properties of Liquids and Solids

Investigate the properties of liquids

Investigate, through experimentation, interactions that occur as a result of mixing and/or dissolving . . . liquids and liquids

Identify objects in the natural and built environments as solids or liquids

Describe the properties of . . . liquids (e.g., they take the shape of the container they are in, and can be poured)

Grade 6

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Understanding Structures and Mechanisms

Flight

Use scientific inquiry/experimentation skills to investigate the properties of air

Identify the properties of air that make flight possible

Grade 8

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Understanding Matter and Energy

Fluids

Investigate and compare the density of a variety of liquids

Quebec Curriculum Links

Elementary Cycle One

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: The Material World

Mixtures

Miscible and nonmiscible substances

Elementary Cycle Two

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Earth and Space

Matter

Properties and characteristics of matter on Earth

Soil, water and air

Suggestions for Art Activities

This experiment lends itself well to all types of paintings and drawings. Students could use chalk or pastels — even changing the background colour to black for a different effect.

Have students try placing a piece of paper on top of the bowl to soak up the pattern and capture a moment in time.